CBA’s Unite 2017 drew show attendees to a Duke Energy Center ballroom for the “Envision the Legacy” banquet Thursday night. The event featured the ministry of Christian illusionists Rod Robison and Adrian Van Vactor. Their book, Unmasking the Masquerade (Encourage Publishing), written with illusionist Toby Travis, was given to attendees that evening, and they held a book signing after the event.

Fortune 50 business leader Terence Chatmon also spoke on the importance of instituting a spiritual leadership plan for the family. Chatmon, who worked for Johnson & Johnson, Citibank and Coca Cola, is now president and CEO of Fellowship of Companies for Christ International. His debut book, Do Your Children Believe? (Thomas Nelson), demonstrates the importance of being purposeful about leaving a spiritual legacy in the family.

CBA President Curtis Riskey, board chair Sue Smith and retailer and board member Vicki Geist presented five awards during the event. CBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award was given posthumously to Dan Hobson, gift pioneer and Carpentree founder. Hobson’s wife, GInny, who is vice president of Carpentree, and their son, Jordan, vice president of sales at the company, received the award.

The association presented the International Lifetime Achievement Award to Chris Johnsen, who is from South Africa, and founded Christian Art Distributors and Christian Art Gifts. Christian Art Gifts Hong Kong also was established in 2016.

CBA honored HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) with the Industry Champion Award. Presented to Senior Vice President Tom Knight for the company, the award was given to commemorate HCCP’s support of the independent Christian retailer.

CBA presented the Ministry in Action award to the Tyndale House Foundation. Mark Taylor, president and CEO of the foundation and of Tyndale House Publishers, was honored to receive the award, which was given, in large part, because of Tyndale’s work with Oasis International on the Africa Study Bible.

Retailers Bill and Ila Ballou, owners of Solid Rock in Kearney, Nebraska, were also honored for their work in the store and community. They were on hand to receive the Jim Carlson Spirit of Excellence Award.

Riskey told retailers that “with change comes pain,” reminding them of how important it is to stand together, unite and have faith. “God is still on the throne. … We have a hope and a future.”

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